If you are thinking about setting up an online presence, getting the right website design is one of the most important decisions you will make. If your website's main purpose is to either generate leads to be followed up or to generated revenue directly "off the page", it is important that it looks as professional as possible and one of the quickest ways to achieve this is by having a custom web design created.

Of course Search Engine Optimization, Pay Per Click advertising and other website marketing techniques are important additional considerations, but your first step must be to ensure your website looks professional giving your visitors the feeling they can trust your company with their personal and credit card details, if selling off the page.

Creating your website design yourself may not be the answer. Unless you are employed as a web designer or have a designer's "eye", a homemade website will almost always looks amateurish and generally speaking, they do not inspire trust and confidence which is what you want you need if your your website is to generate leads or sales for your business.

Another common mistake people make is to use the default web design templates that comes with their web design software program (like Dreamweaver or FrontPage) or the SiteBuilder software that comes free as part of their web hosting account.

There is nothing inherently wrong with these standard templates, the problem comes when thousands of businesses use them. Think about it for a moment. If you visited a website that had a design exactly the same as one you had seen before, what would you think?

The same as anyone else would think - is this business legitimate? How long have they been running? Are they conmen that just threw up a website as quick as possible so they can grab as much money as they can before disappearing into a puff of smoke?

Even if you do not think these thoughts consciously, you will subconsciously and as a business person, there really is no need (or excuse) for putting visitors and potential customers into this mindset.

I want you to take a moment to think about this:

If you were going to setup a new shop or office in your local area selling your goods or services, would you copy another shop's layout and design to save you time or money?

Of course not. Then why would you consider doing it for your online presence?

You must understand, the internet provides an opportunity for any business of any size to present itself as if it were a multi-million dollar company. A small mom and pop store in Chicago or a single person consulting service can appear as capable and professional as a Fortune 500 company, without needing to spend a fortune.

When a professional web designer creates a custom web design, your business receives a visual impact presenting a professional presence not only "wowing" your visitors but instilling trust and confidence so the visitor will hopefully become your customer. Presenting an amateur web identity simply will not cut the mustard.

Starting an online business creates enough challenges for business owners, so be smart and outsource the tasks you do not have the expertise or time to implement properly. Concentrate on the day-to-day operations of your business, like dealing with clients or orders - that is where you should spend your time. Let professional web designers do what they do best so you can move your business forward.

Designing a fully integrated, customer-focused website will enhance your profits. The purpose of your website can be exploited to its full potential by allowing experienced website developers to hone your concept into a polished cohesive web presence.

Whether the purpose of the web site is, e-commerce, marketing, lead generation or preselling using related content, there are basic design elements that are required. The success or failure of your business may depend on how well these design elements are followed.